Quick Answers
Here are some quick answers to common questions about finding baby hummingbirds:
Is it okay to touch a baby hummingbird?
No, you should never touch a baby hummingbird with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can harm the bird. Use gloves or a towel to handle the bird.
What should I do if the baby hummingbird is on the ground?
If you find a baby hummingbird on the ground, it likely fell out of its nest. Try to carefully put it back in the nest if you can reach it. If not, create a substitute nest for the baby bird.
How can I make a substitute nest?
Use a small container or berry basket lined with a paper towel or soft fabric. Attach it near where you found the bird. The parents will still feed it.
What should I feed a baby hummingbird?
Only feed homemade hummingbird nectar, NOT sugar water. Mix 1 part white sugar with 4 parts water. Feed with a dropper every 20-30 minutes.
When can I release a rescued baby hummingbird?
Once the bird is fully feathered and eating well on its own, you can release it. This is usually between 14-28 days after hatching.
Assessing the Situation
If you find a baby hummingbird, the first step is to quickly assess the situation:
Where did you find the bird?
– On the ground or in a bush – It likely fell out of a nest
– Inside a building – It may have flown in and gotten trapped
– On a porch/deck – It could have gotten lost after leaving the nest
How developed is the bird?
– Mostly naked body – 2-12 days old
– Pinfeathers emerging – 10-13 days old
– Most feathers emerged – Nearly ready to fledge
This will give you an idea of how much care it needs. Very young nestlings need more attentive rehabilitation.
Is the bird injured?
Check for any potential injuries:
– Bleeding
– Swollen joints
– Broken bones
– Missing feathers
Injured birds need wildlife rehabilitator care right away.
Caring for a Baby Hummingbird
If the baby hummingbird is uninjured but too young to survive on its own, here are some steps for temporary care:
Housing
– Use a small box, basket, or plastic container. Avoid glass.
– Line it with a soft cloth or paper towels.
– Cut holes for ventilation.
– Attach it to a branch or hook if reuniting outside.
Shelter
– Keep the baby hummingbird somewhere dark, quiet, and warm.
– Maintain a temperature between 86-96°F if possible.
– Monitor for signs of overheating or distress.
Feeding
– Only feed homemade hummingbird nectar with a dropper or syringe. NO sugar water.
– Use a ratio of 1 part sugar to 4 parts water. Boil then cool before use.
– Feed every 20-30 minutes from sunrise to sunset.
– Gently open the beak and drip nectar in the back of the mouth.
Hygiene
– Gently clean waste from the container using warm water.
– Do not allow the baby to sit in soiled bedding.
– Avoid washing the bird itself unnecessarily.
| Age | Amount Per Feeding | Feeding Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 days | 2-5 drops | Every 20 minutes |
| 5-7 days | 5-8 drops | Every 30 minutes |
| 2+ weeks | 8-12 drops | Every 30-45 minutes |
This table provides guidelines on how much homemade nectar to feed hummingbirds of different ages. Adjust as needed based on appetite and activity level.
Reuniting with Parents
If the baby hummingbird is mostly feathered, you can attempt to reunite it with the parents.
Locate the Nest
Search for the original nest in trees and shrubs near where you found the chick. Hummingbird nests are tiny and well-camouflaged.
No Nest Found
If relocating to the original nest fails, follow these steps:
– Create a substitute nest as described above.
– Attach it on a tree branch as close to the rescue site as possible.
– Observe from a distance to see if parents accept and resume feeding.
– Ensure food is still being provided until fully weaned.
Reintroduce the Chick
If the original nest is found, do the following:
– Handle with gloves and gently insert into the nest.
– Watch for up to 4 hours to confirm parents are attending to it.
– Supplement feed if parents do not resume normal feeding.
Avoid handling the bird any more than absolutely necessary.
Finding a Wildlife Rehabilitator
In some cases, the best chance of survival is to get the baby hummingbird to an experienced wildlife rehabilitator. This includes:
– Nestlings younger than 1 week old.
– Any injured or ill babies.
– If parents do not resume care after attempted reuniting.
Locate a Rehab Center
Search online directories or call local wildlife agencies to find a hummingbird rehabilitator near you. Time is critical for the bird’s survival.
Transport the Bird
Until you can get the baby hummingbird to a rehab facility:
– Keep it in a warm, dark, and quiet space. Avoid direct sunlight.
– Do not give food or water.
– Place a loosely crumpled paper towel in the carrier to provide grip.
– Keep transport time as brief as possible.
Handle the baby bird as minimally as possible. Keep rehabilitation in mind as the ultimate goal.
Caring for Juveniles
If the baby hummingbird has most of its feathers, it may be ready to fledge from the nest soon. Here is how to care for fledglings:
Housing
– Use a mesh enclosure or ventilated box/basket.
– Provide flowering plants, nectar feeders, perches.
– Let the bird fly freely in a contained safe space.
Feeding
– Continue using hummingbird nectar in a small shallow dish or feeder.
– Supplement with tiny insects like gnats, aphids, fruit flies.
– Work towards self-feeding from a feeder and free flight.
Release Criteria
A juvenile hummingbird can be released when it:
– Is fully feathered.
– Is eating well independently.
– Can fly strongly over short distances.
– Is active and alert with no injuries.
Conclusion
Baby hummingbirds need specialized care to survive outside the nest. With proper rehabilitation, most can be successfully released back into the wild. If you find a baby hummingbird, assess its age and situation. Contain it, keep it warm, and seek professional help quickly. With some basic supplies and attentive feeding, you can give it a fighting chance until long-term care is available. Reuniting fledglings with parents when feasible provides the best outcome. Always handle hummingbirds gently and seek to provide a natural diet and environment. This will give the bird the greatest opportunity to thrive back in the wild where it belongs.
